Kisa's Smack-Upside-the-Head Parenting Tips: #3,892,457

A cyberfriend recently asked for parenting wisdom, and in answering her plea, I was reminded of a recent event at a friend's child's birthday party. Said event illustrates what not to do.

The players: Toddler, almost 3. Father, mwah, let's say mid-forties.

Toddler, entranced by mini-weenies on food tray, takes one. And another. Then a fistful. Father emerges from adult conversation long enough to say "No! That's enough! Last one!" Toddler wanders off, mouth full of mini-weenie.

Approximately one minute later. Toddler approaches food tray. Takes mini-weenie. Looks expectantly at Father, who snaps his head around and says, "Last one! Last one!" Toddler wanders off.

Repeat paragraph two for, oh, an hour or so. (Yes, it's a wonder Toddler didn't vomit, but that's not the point.)

This story does not indicate a naughty Toddler who won't listen. It indicates a Father who's teaching his young, budding conversationalist that "Last one!" means "Sure, son, have another one!" I kid you not. They don't pop out of the chute innately knowing what words mean.